Episode 7: Water Conservation and Climate Smart Agriculture with Matt Angell

Almond Journey

Matt Angell introduces us to some of the climate-smart farming practices he is exploring and his approach to water conservation. Matt is a third-generation farmer and the managing partner for both Madera Pumps and US Water Well. As technology has evolved, Matt has experimented with ways to use data and sensors to become more efficient with water. Matt offers his principles of resource management with the “5 M’s”: map, monitor, measurement, management, and market.

“I think this whole conversation is something that scares everybody significantly. So it's not something that people want to talk about. And when there's no conversation, there's no clarity. You know, people aren't solving problems. - Matt Angell

As someone who runs both a pump company and a water well repair and restoration services company, Matt knows quite a bit about groundwater. He would like to see a more widespread conversation regarding groundwater overdraft.

In Today’s episode:

● Meet Matt Angell, third generation farmer and water entrepreneur

● What climate-smart farming means on Matt’s operation

● How Matt has utilized the “5 M’s” to improve his water efficiency

● Matt’s idea for a “H.E.R.O.” grower that is rewarded for efficiency

● Why more conversation is needed about groundwater challenges

ABC Update

In today’s ABC Update, principal analyst Jesse Roseman joins us to talk about climate smart agriculture, and the new Cover Crop Best Management Practices guide produced by the Almond Board of California.

● Cover Crop Best Management Practices

● Grower Incentive Opportunities

● Contact the field outreach team: [e-mail].

The Almond Journey Podcast is brought to you by the Almond Board of California. This show explores how growers, handlers, and other stakeholders are making things work in their operations to drive the almond industry forward. Host Tim Hammerich visits with leaders throughout the Central Valley of California and beyond who are finding innovative ways to improve their operations, connect with their communities, and advance the almond industry.

ABC recognizes the diverse makeup of the California almond industry and values contributions offered by its growers, handlers, and allied industry members. However, the opinions, services and products discussed in existing and future podcast episodes are by no means an endorsement or recommendation from ABC. The Almond Journey podcast is not an appropriate venue to express opinions on national, state, local or industry politics. As a Federal Marketing Order, the Almond Board of California is prohibited from lobbying or advocating on legislative issues, as well as setting field and market prices.